A Brief Review of Key Models in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Psychosis

Abstract

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) was originally developed as a comprehensive theory for treating depression. It has, however, since been extensively used to treat a wide range of emotional and mental health problems and is now a plausible treatment of choice for schizophrenia and associated psychotic symptoms. This review highlights the different models of CBT used for treating psychosis. These models have varying background, theory and rationale. Overall, literature shows that there are several models and approaches available but an underlying factor shared by all is the centricity of collaborative empiricism and individual formulation of specific presentations, however this varies across models. These models begin to address the impact of culture on treatment of psychosis. That is, they begin to acknowledge that different cultures may have different interpretations of a psychotic presentation such as delusions. It is imperative that models such as those presented here begin to acknowledge cultural influences and take these into account during their formation. This will have an impact on the way psychosis is treated using CBT. By being receptive to this, it could aid the client-therapist relationship and thus the outcomes of treatment.